Portlaoise Prison

Portlaoise Prison

Dublin Road,Portlaoise,Co. Laois.

Tel: 05786 21318Fax: 05786 20997

Operational Capacity: 291

Governor: Ms. Ethel Gavin

General Description:

A closed high security prison for adult males. It is the committal prison for those sent to custody from the Special Criminal Court and prisoners accommodated here include those linked with subversive crime.

How to get there: By Bus: Daily services from all major cities. Check www.buseireann.ie for service times.By Car: Check website www.aaroadwatch.ie for up to date directions.By Train: Portlaoise station is the nearest train station and is within easy walking distance of Portlaoise Prison. Check www.irishrail.ie for service times.

GPS: 53.037304,-7.285019

Visiting Times:

Normal visiting times are Monday to Saturday from 10am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4pm. Sentenced offenders are entitled to one 30 minute visit per week. Special visits of 15 minutes duration may also be available on request.Visits by appointment are in operation in Portlaoise Prison.

Prisoners may nominate up to six visitors on their visitors panel each month. Visitors, once nominated, may either book a visit by ringing the dedicated booked visits phone at 057 86 813 26 or book a visit using the phone in the visitors waiting room. Visits will not be accepted by ringing any other number of the prison. All nominated visitors must present valid photographic ID on each and every visit to the Prison i.e Passport, Driving Licence or Garda ID Card.

The booking line is open during visiting times i.e. Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm & 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm (Thursdays 2.30pm to 4.00 pm). Visitors should arrive 15 minutes prior to the booked visit.The maximum number of adults permitted on a visit is three and the maximum number of children permitted on a visit is three. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

There are no visits on Sundays or Christmas Day.

All visitors and staff are processed through our security screen area. Visitors are advised that they will be subject to a range of security measures, including searching prior to entering the prison. Passive dogs are in operation in Portlaoise Prison. Visitors are advised that mobile phones or any personal items are not permitted into Portlaoise Prison & must be left in the visitor’s waiting room. There is a no smoking policy in operation during the visit.Free car parking is available in the visitor’s car park.